Summary
Emily Elissa Randall (born October 30, 1985) is an American politician and activist who is a U.S. representative-elect for Washington’s 6th congressional district and a former member of the Washington State Senate.
A member of the Democratic Party, she will succeed Derek Kilmer in the U.S. House of Representatives.
OnAir Post: Emily Randall WA-06
About
Proven Record
Emily knows what regular people are going through and has a proven record delivering results for our community. She was born and raised in a hard-working union household in the Kitsap Peninsula, worked her way through college waiting tables and built a career helping expand access to affordable health care, including at Planned Parenthood.
The night Donald Trump was elected president, Emily decided to step up and run for elected office—everything she had worked for was under attack. She organized a grassroots campaign to successfully flip a Republican state senate seat and help Democrats win control of state government.
Emily quickly rose to leadership in the senate and led passage of landmark legislation to help her community—from protecting abortion access, to expanding Medicaid, to improving apprenticeship programs for high school graduates. Now Emily is running for Congress because everything we’ve accomplished at home is under threat by MAGA extremists in Washington, DC.
Third Generation
Emily is a third generation Washingtonian, born and raised in Port Orchard and Deputy Majority Leader in the State Senate running to represent Washington’s 6th congressional district.
Emily was raised in a proud union household by her dad who worked at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and her mom, an educator at South Kitsap High School.
Emily’s passion to help those around her is rooted in her upbringing. As the oldest of three, she saw firsthand the positive impact government could have when her youngest sister Olivia, who was born with complex medical needs, was able to get the care she needed thanks to Washington state’s Medicaid expansion. While her family didn’t have it easy, the early intervention programs they were able to access helped improve Olivia’s quality of life without bankrupting the family. Emily did her part as the oldest sibling to protect her sister from bullies and help her navigate the world—it’s at the core of Emily’s determination to help the most vulnerable among us.
Emily became the first in her family to graduate college thanks to financial aid and working in retail and waiting tables to pay her expenses. Committed to give back, Emily worked for various non-profits to help expand access to higher education as well as affordable health care. In 2016 she went to work for Planned Parenthood with a mission of helping women access health care, including abortion care.
The night Donald Trump was elected president, Emily decided she had to do more. Despite being told over and over that a queer Latina could not beat an extreme MAGA Republican in Washington’s 26th Senate District – one of the most competitive seats in the state senate – Emily launched a grassroots campaign and proved them wrong. She won by 102 votes, flipping the seat and helping Democrats solidify their majority in the legislature.
Emily’s Story
Emily’s story is the story of her neighbors, and it’s what inspires her work in government. She quickly rose to leadership in the state legislature serving as Deputy Majority Leader. In office, Emily passed critical legislation that improved the lives of the community that helped shape her.
From expanding post-partum Medicaid coverage to banning subminimum wage for folks with disabilities, passing pay transparency laws to championing programs to support low-income college students and apprentices to securing investments in essential infrastructure like Gorst and our ferries – Emily rolled up her sleeves and worked with Democrats and Republicans alike to deliver real results for her community.
Serving on the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee, the Senate Health & Long-Term Care and Ways & Means Committees, Emily has remained dedicated to fostering collaboration to implement the best ideas and make Washington state a model for the rest of the country.
Even before the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade in 2022 Emily fought to protect Washingtonians’ right to an abortion. She worked to expand the providers who could offer critical reproductive care making Washington a haven for people seeking abortion care across the country. Ensuring people have a safe place to seek the care they need with the dignity they deserve has always been a top priority for Emily.
Emily understands we all work hard to pay the bills and rising costs are squeezing families. That’s why Emily is taking on the tough fights to expand affordable health care, make college and career education more affordable, expand affordable housing, and combat the corporate greed that is driving up everyday costs. Emily is committed to improving the lives of hardworking people by removing obstacles and creating opportunities for them to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
Emily is running for Congress because everything we’ve accomplished at home is under threat by MAGA extremists in Washington, DC. In Congress she will continue to defend our democracy and fight for our right to make decisions about our bodies, our families, and our futures, expand access to quality health care, and ensure educational opportunities for all – including technical training and apprenticeships. Emily knows our best days are ahead of us, but only when we are willing to work together to find real solutions to our country’s biggest challenges.
Emily lives in Bremerton with her wife Alison and their dogs Frida and Ricky Martina.
Web Links
Politics
Source: Wikipedia
Alongside Senator Claire Wilson, Randall is one of two openly LGBTQ+ women serving in the Washington State Senate.
Prior to serving in the Washington State Senate, Randall worked as a community organizer, where she focused on issues related to public education and healthcare.
As senator, Randall has focused on increasing access to better behavioral health and reproductive health, affordable housing, and public safety. She serves as whip for the state senate majority. In March 2022, Randall sponsored a bill to lower the toll to cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge by 75 cents. The bill was passed and took effect in October of the same year.
Finances
Source: Vote Smart
New Legislation
Issues
Fighting Climate Change
We must make a just and fair transition away from fossil fuels and invest in clean energy jobs and infrastructure.
The United States has a responsibility to be a leader and innovate new ways for countries to accelerate their transitions to a more green and clean economy.
I will work closely with labor and industry to find ways for workers to gain new skills and transition to the jobs that our changing economy and environment needs. I am committed to building an economy that is sustainable, and that protects those among us most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. We must focus on renewable energy, and climate-neutral industry that protects not only today’s economy, but the ability for our grandchildren to live and work as well.
We know that the communities that will be most impacted by climate change are the ones with the least means to survive it. This is why I have been a leader in ensuring a just transition to a greener transportation system and adapting our electrical grid to the needs of a greener economy.
In Congress, I will build on my success in Washington State and expand these advancements across the country.
Lowering Costs for Families
I believe in an economy that works from the middle class out–not trickle down–putting working families at the center of economic policies. I believe in equal pay for equal work, a tax structure that requires big business to pay its fair share, and in creating good jobs by investing in small and mid-sized businesses. I believe in the importance of driving technological innovation and economic growth, including through blockchain technology and the digital asset industry. I believe in removing the barriers to economic freedom and opportunity for our most marginalized communities such as communities of color, LGBTQ folks, and the disability community.
In our country today, there is too much wealth in too few hands. We can build a better future for all of us by strengthening the middle class, by giving folks the opportunity to earn a good wage and benefits, keep their lights on and food on their table, and have money in their pockets. We can create more jobs and grow our economy through comprehensive regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while protecting consumers.
In Congress, I will work across the aisle to make sure that working class families like mine are able to earn a decent living where we can put food on the table, pay our bills, and breathe a little easier toward the end of the month.
Defending Democracy
We are at a critical moment for our democracy, and protecting the right to vote for Americans is crucial. This starts with ensuring that all eligible voters have access to the ballot box. I will continue to fight to remove barriers to voting and ensure every citizen’s voice is heard.
Washington’s 6th District deserves a champion who will work as hard for them, as they work for their families. For too long, too many in Congress have placed partisan politics and corporate special interests above The People and that needs to end.
As a member of Congress, I will be dedicated to lifting up the voices of Americans–not special interests. I am a part of the community I am running to represent–I see my constituents at the grocery store, and one thing that I consistently hear is that they appreciate the stand I’ve taken against taking corporate PAC money since I started running for office. They know where I stand, and it’s with them, not corporate special interests.
In Congress, I will continue to fight hard to safeguard and defend the right to vote for all eligible voters, and to ensure that those who are most impacted by legislation have a say in that legislation.
Enhancing Healthcare
No one should go bankrupt to pay for lifesaving or palliative care. My family was only able to afford critical care for my younger sister when she was with us because, in addition to my dad’s government employee health insurance, Olivia qualified for Medicaid. I want to ensure that every family has these same opportunities for their loved ones. As a member of Congress, I will work hard to protect and strengthen the ACA, increase the flexibility of Medicaid dollars so that states like Washington can continue expanding coverage, bring down the out of pocket cost on medication, and invest in staffing critical healthcare positions and infrastructure so people have more than just theoretical access to the care they need.
I have been a leader in Washington in expanding access to healthcare providers and ensuring that people have more than just theoretical access to essential healthcare including comprehensive reproductive healthcare and gender affirming care.
I know firsthand just how devastating healthcare costs can be to working class families and no one should go bankrupt to pay for lifesaving or palliative care which is why I sponsored the legislation creating Washington’s Universal Healthcare Commission.
In Congress, I will fight to ensure healthcare, including mental health care and reproductive healthcare, is affordable, accessible, and culturally-relevant for patients.
Lowering Costs for Families
I believe in an economy that works from the middle class out–not trickle down–putting working families at the center of economic policies. I believe in equal pay for equal work, a tax structure that requires big business to pay its fair share, and in creating good jobs by investing in small and mid-sized businesses. I believe in the importance of driving technological innovation and economic growth, including through blockchain technology and the digital asset industry. I believe in removing the barriers to economic freedom and opportunity for our most marginalized communities such as communities of color, LGBTQ folks, and the disability community.
In our country today, there is too much wealth in too few hands. We can build a better future for all of us by strengthening the middle class, by giving folks the opportunity to earn a good wage and benefits, keep their lights on and food on their table, and have money in their pockets. We can create more jobs and grow our economy through comprehensive regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while protecting consumers.
In Congress, I will work across the aisle to make sure that working class families like mine are able to earn a decent living where we can put food on the table, pay our bills, and breathe a little easier toward the end of the month.
Safeguarding Access to Abortion
From passing Reproductive Health Access for All in 2019, to working to ensure student health plans covered abortion care, to ending cost sharing, to preserving access to mifepristone, I have been a leader on reproductive health policy in Washington – and have worked in coalition with reproductive justice partners. I will continue that work – as a coalition builder and a policy maker – in DC.
In Washington state, I have been one of the top abortion rights and reproductive rights advocates. I have sponsored legislation to block religious hospital mergers that lead to reduced reproductive healthcare and gender affirming care access; extend postpartum healthcare coverage support birthing parents for a full year after giving birth; expand the types of healthcare professionals who can perform abortions require all health plans to cover reproductive healthcare and contraception; and many other pieces of legislation expanding access to healthcare generally and reproductive freedom specifically.
I work closely with reproductive care providers and advocates to find more ways to expand and protect access to this essential aspect of basic healthcare – including regulating CPCs/fake clinics in 2024! I am proud to have a 100% lifetime pro-choice voting record.
In Congress, 6th District voters can be sure that I will fight as hard for abortion rights as I do in Washington State.
More Information
Wikipedia
Emily Elissa Randall[2] (born October 30, 1985)[3] is an American politician and activist who is a U.S. representative-elect for Washington’s 6th congressional district and a former member of the Washington State Senate.[4][5] A member of the Democratic Party, she will succeed Derek Kilmer in the U.S. House of Representatives.[4][5]
Early life and education
Randall was born in the Kitsap Peninsula to a white mother and a Chicano father.[6] She grew up in Port Orchard and graduated from South Kitsap High School in 2004.[2] She graduated from Wellesley College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and women’s studies. Her sister, Olivia, was born with severe developmental and physical disabilities.[7]
Career
Alongside Senator Claire Wilson, Randall is one of two openly LGBTQ+ women serving in the Washington State Senate.[4]
Prior to serving in the Washington State Senate, Randall worked as a community organizer, where she focused on issues related to public education and healthcare.
As senator, Randall has focused on increasing access to better behavioral health and reproductive health, affordable housing, and public safety.[8][9] She serves as whip for the state senate majority.[8] In March 2022, Randall sponsored a bill to lower the toll to cross the Tacoma Narrows Bridge by 75 cents. The bill was passed and took effect in October of the same year.[10]
Randall serves in the senate’s Higher Education committee, Workforce Development Committee, and on the Health and Long Term Care and Transportation committee.[11]
After U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer announced his retirement from Congress, Randall entered the race to succeed him. Washington’s 6th congressional district covers the Olympic Peninsula, the Kitsap Peninsula, and the majority of Tacoma. During her primary campaign, Randall was endorsed by several prominent Democrats including U.S. Senator Patty Murray, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland, U.S. Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and former governors Christine Gregoire and Gary Locke.[12] She was endorsed by incumbent Derek Kilmer during her general election campaign.
Election
In 2018, Randall was elected to the Washington State Senate, defeating Republican challenger Marty McClendon by 104 votes.[13]
In 2022, Randall won re-election to the Washington State Senate with around 51% of the vote.[14][15]
In the 2024 open primary for Washington’s 6th congressional district, Randall finished first.[16] State senator Drew MacEwan finished second, joining Randall on the general election ballot.[16] Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, who was endorsed by incumbent Derek Kilmer, did not advance to the general election.[16]
Randall defeated MacEwan in the 2024 general election.[5] When seated, Randall will become the first queer Latina to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.[citation needed]
References
- ^ Demkovich, Laurel (November 22, 2024). “Three WA Senate Democrats are leaving their jobs. Here’s what happens next”. Washington State Standard. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
- ^ a b “South Kitsap High School Graduating Class”. Kitsap Sun. June 8, 2004. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
- ^ “Washington New Members 2025”. The Hill. December 11, 2024. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
- ^ a b c “New Washington state legislators headed to Olympia in 2019”. MyNorthwest, December 31, 2018.
- ^ a b c “Washington House District 6 General Election Results 2024”. NBC News. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ “Sound & Vision: Washington State Senator Emily Randall and the Music That Inspires Her”. kexp.org. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
- ^ sdcadmin. “Biography”. Sen. Emily Randall – Washington State Senate Democrats. Retrieved August 18, 2020.
- ^ a b Dice, Vince (October 27, 2022). “Election profile: Randall vs. Young for state Senate”. Gig Harbor Now. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ Bajko, Matthew (October 10, 2022). “Political Notes: Queer Washington state senator with SF ties seeks 2nd term”. Bay Area Reporter. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ “Tacoma Narrows Bridge tolls will drop with the passage of this bill. Here’s how, when”. KIRO 7 News Seattle. March 14, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ “Q&A: Sen. Emily Randall on higher education”. Washington State Wire. September 22, 2021. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ Averill, Owen (July 25, 2024). “Crypto-financed independent expenditure for Emily Randall turns heads in Washington State politics”. NPI’s Cascadia Advocate. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
- ^ “November 6, 2018 General Election Results – Legislative District 26 – State Senator”. results.vote.wa.gov. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
- ^ “Emily Randall”. Ballotpedia. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ “Republicans hit blue wall in WA: Meet your new state Legislature”. The Seattle Times. November 21, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ a b c “Washington Primary Election Results”. NPR. August 6, 2024. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
